Brenda Bilal [1], 2006 January 6

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Identifier: OH-BI0409

Staff Only

Brenda Bilal oral history interview 1, 2005 January 6

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Scope and Contents

In part one of this two-part interview, Brenda Bilal discusses her experience with open education in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. Ms. Bilal describes open education as a method that gives students the opportunity to think creatively, make their own choices, and collaborate with others while following an individual educational path. She praises the open education system in Charlotte for its ability to cultivate diversity, and emphasizes the close connection between home and school life. Ms. Bilal conveys her belief that all students could benefit from an open education experience. In reflecting on college level education, Ms. Bilal discusses how learning communities in universities (programs that provide students with a community-based interdisciplinary approach to education) in many ways parallel open education. She concludes by describing the culture of mutual support, both academically and socially, that an open school education provides.

Dates

Creation: 2006 January 6

Conditions Governing Access

Original audiovisual materials are closed to patron use. Please contact Special Collections to request the creation of use copies for particular items; requests will be accommodated when possible. The remaining materials are open for research.

Biographical Note

Brenda Bilal was a 55-year-old woman at the time of interview, which took place in her office in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born in Durham, North Carolina in 1950. She was educated at Fayetteville State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and University of Texas; and was employed as a college teacher and a college administrator.